Last year while visiting in Warwick, New York I was surfing
things to do nearby and to my astonishment came upon mention of Franck.
“Pacem in
Terris is a trans-religious space created along the Wawayanda River in
Warwick, NY by Frederick and Claske Franck. It is "One man's work of art that aspires to be an
oasis of quiet, of sanity, where spirit and nature may reconnect. It is
dedicated to what is Human in every human being"
I had to wait until summer to visit since it’s only open on weekends from May through October, but it was definitely worth the wait.
The site is inconspicuous from the road—no signage or grand entrance. Once inside it becomes an extension of Franck’s drawings—intimate and rich with meaning. It sits on the Waywayanda River (more like a creek at that point) and has three separate entrances – one on either side of the river and another across the road. I first entered where the former Franck dwelling and some outbuildings sit on the east side of the creek. I was delighted to find some of Franck’s actual drawings on display. There’s also a small building with his stained glass of the Stations of the Cross and a video room where you can watch Franck highlight his life story including the Pacem in Terris project.
Several sculptures and a labyrinth wind in and out of trees allowing you to meander along the riverbank and contemplate the words of wisdom scattered in and amidst the sculptures.
On the other side of the
creek sits the main building – a stone sanctuary completely dark inside save
one candle and a bit of natural light. And across the road another sculpture
garden and smaller meeting room are open for people to walk around.
The physical site is
impressive especially since a lot of it appears to be handbuilt with wood and
stone from the natural surroundings. The sculptures, mostly wrought iron, are
bold and dramatic often with a message spelled out in hand-cut letters. The
retreat site is dedicated to Pope John XXIII, Albert Sweitzer and D.T. Suzuki,
all super-respected leaders in their respective faith traditions.
"I am the living center of the heart" |
One of the sculptures in the garden |
Pacem In Terris - Warwick, NY
What a wonderful discovery of this place and the connection you have to it.
ReplyDeleteYes it was quite a find.
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